The long-standing relationship between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes reached a definitive turning point at 2026 Elimination Chamber. While Orton had previously declined to strike Rhodes during an episode of Friday Night SmackDown, the high stakes of a WrestleMania main event changed the equation. When the opportunity presented itself inside the steel structure, Orton delivered an RKO to his long-time peer to secure the victory.
Reflecting on the match during an appearance on ESPN SportsCenter, Orton addressed the chaotic closing moments and his decision to strike “The American Nightmare.” Orton emphasized the brutal nature of the environment, stating: “Anything can happen inside this dome, inside this cage. It is relentless.” He noted that the arrival of outside interference and other competitors forced his hand. “So many variables, so when that door opens and you get not one but two masked men, and then you get Drew McIntyre, I had to take advantage of the situation,” Orton explained.
At this stage of his career, Orton is focused on maximizing every opportunity. “I’ve been doing this forever and I know I can’t do it literally forever, right? I’m at the tail-end of my career, so I’ve got to get it while the getting’s good, my friend,” he told the broadcasters. As the match reached its climax, he saw his opening. “Drew came in, he involved himself in the match, Cody was down. In a heartbeat, I made that decision to drop Cody with an RKO,” Orton recounted.
Despite their history in the Legacy faction, Orton prioritized his own path to the top. “Now, he’s a long-time friend, I hate doing it. But do I really hate doing it? No, I don’t. I’m going to WrestleMania. I’m main eventing WrestleMania. I deserve to be in the main event of WrestleMania,” Orton concluded. With Elimination Chamber now in the books, “The Viper” has officially secured an Undisputed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42.
Randy Orton on RKOing Cody Rhodes
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